Apothecary Notes: Citrus — A Fragrant History of Power and Clarity

Bright, focused, and grounded in tradition—citrus redefined through performance and science.

More Than a Scent

Citrus has a long and storied history, one that runs through temples, royal courts, and into modern rituals. Aligning with the foundation of the Energy Functional Parfum at anatomē, it is bright, focused, and powerful, standing for far more than just freshness. Across cultures, it has symbolised vitality, discipline, and emotional clarity, a sensory shorthand for momentum and intention.

Read on as we explore how this remarkable botanical family continues to shape the way we move, feel, and perform.

A Legacy of Light

In Ancient Egypt, orange blossom water was blended into oils and unguents believed to preserve youth and elevate the spirit.
The Greeks and Romans used citrus oils in bathhouses and balms. Orange blossom wreaths symbolised purity and renewal, worn in weddings and springtime rituals.
By the 10th century, under Islamic horticulture, citrus cultivation flourished across the Mediterranean. Neroli oil, distilled from bitter orange blossoms, became central to Unani medicine, praised for its calming effects on the heart and sharpening of mental clarity.

From Palaces to Perfume

In 17th-century Italy, Princess Anne-Marie de Nerola popularised orange blossom perfume by scenting her gloves, giving neroli its name and sparking a courtly obsession. A century later, Queen Victoria’s orange blossom wedding crown sealed the flower’s legacy as a symbol of grace and feminine strength. In Grasse, the heart of haute perfumery, citrus notes became essential building blocks for fine fragrance. Their brightness and volatility brought contrast, lift, and light to complex compositions.

A Fragrance Complex That Does More

Citrus smells clean and crisp, but most importantly for anatomē, it actively supports wellbeing.  Used for centuries to soothe the nerves and sharpen the senses, citrus botanicals are now backed by science. Oils such as lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, and neroli contain compounds like d-limonene, linalool, and nerolidol, which are known to reduce anxiety, support focus, and regulate mood. In modern formulations, citrus continues to enhance clarity and promote balance, not just as a scent, but as a functional tool.

Living Rituals -Citrus in history.

Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines use citrus to balance internal heat, aid digestion, and calm the nervous system. Neroli, in particular, is associated with restful sleep and emotional grounding. In Middle Eastern cultures, orange flower water is still added to tea and desserts — a daily act of wellness as much as flavour.

At anatomē, we honour this botanical legacy in Energy, our citrus-led functional fragrance designed to support clarity, movement, and mental presence.

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